Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and company.

Author's Note: OOH! I'M BACK! This chapter picks up from the last chapter, Kagome and Inuyasha's date. Then, a whole bunch of other stuff happen, Kikyo being a bitch, a cat fight between the girls, angry Inuyasha, pissed off Koga, and some other stuff too. Hope you like it all, it's a long chapter, and yeah. Read and review. Love you guys, SilverRose88.

Chapter Twelve

"You better not be taking me to a horror movie. I'll never speak to you again if you do," Kagome warned.

Inuyasha grinned. "But how else will you get over your fears?"

"Who says I want to get over them? I'll be fine if I live my life without seeing another scary movie,"

"Aw, come on Kagome," Inuyasha coaxed.

"No, you meanie. You always tricked me into horror films in high school. Both you and Miroku! And I hate you for it," Kagome said indignantly. "Like the time we saw The Ring. I had nightmares for a week,"

"Oh yeah, and you called my house in the middle of the night, every night, whining and complaining about how scared you were,"

Kagome laughed. "I forgot I did that,"

"I lost a lot of sleep because of that,"

"I probably lost more sleep than you!"

"And god, are you ever an annoying person. You'd be bawling and yelling and complaining, it was insanity to my ears,"

"Well it was your fault for making me watch it in the first place,"

"I just like seeing you squirm. It's entertaining," Inuyasha said. Kagome glared at him and he grinned. "Come on, Kagome, just this once. I missed watching scary movies with you during movie nights,"

"You didn't have movie nights with Kikyo?" Kagome asked.

"No,"

"Why not?"

"Because they reminded me of you,"

Kagome felt her heart flutter at his words and a blush crept up her face. She looked out the window and a few minutes later sighed. "Fine. We can see a horror movie,"

Inuyasha's grin widened, and he said, "Don't worry, Kagome, I'll protect you. I'm your best friend, after all,"

Kagome smiled at him in return, wanting to say that he was so much more than that.

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"See, that wasn't too bad, was it?" Inuyasha said, though he was wincing at the pain in his right arm.

"It was okay…" Kagome said. "But I still hate you for taking me,"

"Well then I'll have to make you forgive me. Come on, let's go to my apartment, and I'll make you coffee,"

"You can make coffee? Since when? You're a hazard in the kitchen," Kagome laughed.

Inuyasha turned a slight pink. "Okay fine. Maybe I'm not a great cook. But I can make coffee. So, are you up for some?"

"Sure, let's go,"

xxxx

"Hmm, Miroku's gone out,"

"He's with Sango. She mentioned something about going out with him," Kagome said.

"Love in the air?"

"More like lecherous tricks, knowing Miroku," Kagome said with a laugh, and Inuyasha chuckled as well.

"I'll start the coffee. You can make yourself comfortable. Watch T.V. if you want,"

"All right," Kagome replied, feeling rather awkward. They were alone in his apartment. Kagome sat down at the couch, turned on the T.V and began channel surfing when she heard a loud clang. "Is everything okay in there?" she asked.

"Y-Yes! Why wouldn't it be?"

"What'd you drop?"

"Nothing! Quit nagging!"

"I'm not nagging. But if you need complete silence when you make coffee, just tell me. I'll turn off the T.V. and you know take a nap, I have a feeling this might take a while," Kagome said.

"Haha. You're so funny," Inuyasha replied sarcastically.

"I aim to please," Kagome said, grinning. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"Yes, Kagome, I'm sure. Just relax for awhile, okay?" Inuyasha replied.

"Okay then," Kagome said, leaning back in the couch and taking in the news on T.V.

Once the coffee was made, Inuyasha brought the drinks over, and sat down beside Kagome on the couch.

"Hmm, it looks right," Kagome said, examining the coffee.

"What are you doing? Don't inspect the coffee like that, it's making me nervous!" Inuyasha said.

"Well if it's good then why would you get nervous?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha glared at her. "Just drink it, would you?"

Kagome complied and tried the drink. Then, smiling, she said, "It's wonderful,"

Inuyasha let out a small sigh of relief. "Of course it is," he said.

"God, you're so arrogant," Kagome said. "It's just coffee. It's not like you made a big feast or something. I don't think you can make anything other than coffee and ramen. Can you?"

Inuyasha chose not to respond to that, knowing Kagome was right. "Well, are you a good cook? You don't strike me as the kind of girl to spend time baking cookies,"

"Yes, I can cook! I'm quite a good chef, seeing as how Sango can't cook to save her life," Kagome replied.

"Yeah right. I don't believe you can cook," Inuyasha said.

"Ah! Well then you'll just have to come over sometime and I'll make you dinner! You'll be blown away!" Kagome replied.

"All right, I accept, though I'm not sure if I should risk dying," Inuyasha said.

"You jerk! I'm a great cook. When do you want to come over?"

"Tomorrow night. Seven,"

"Fine! Tomorrow!"

Inuyasha grinned as he took another sip of his coffee. I don't think she realizes we're spending another night out. She's so silly sometimes. "So, want to watch a movie?"

"Another one? We just saw one at the theatre," Kagome replied.

"Yeah, but it'll be like a movie night. Like before…you know, yeah…want to? I've got a few that I brought with me, or there might be something on T.V." Inuyasha asked, turning to Kagome, and hoping really hard that she would stay.

"Well, I-I suppose I can stay. For one movie at least," Kagome replied.

Inuyasha grinned again, and jumped up. "Okay! What do you want to watch? I've got Spiderman, Shrek, Matrix, Secret Window…"

As Inuyasha continued naming off the collection of movies he owned, Kagome watched him silently, and the feeling was returning to her heart. The feeling of wanting to be with him, wanting to talk to him, see him, even hearing his voice, all of those feelings were coming back in waves. She still loved him, and right now, at that moment, he was giving her the chance… no, giving them the chance to be best friends once again. And, Kagome wasn't going to decline that offer. Not even if her life depended on it.

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"So, don't keep me in the dark here! What happened last night?" Miroku demanded.

Inuyasha shrugged. "Not a whole much. We talked, had dinner, watched a movie, came back here, had some coffee, watched another movie,"

"You call that 'not a whole much'?" Miroku exclaimed. "Come on, friend, you went out with Kagome officially after not seeing her for two years! What happened?"

"Nothing, okay? We argued about a whole ton of stuff, we had dinner--oh, and guess what? We met up with Kikyo,"

"WHAT?"

"Yeah. S-She was at the restaurant we were at. With-With another guy,"

"Oh, ouch. Sorry man,"

Inuyasha shrugged, pretending as if the shock wasn't a big deal to him. "That was the big blow in the evening…winning first to the fact that Kagome's marrying that Koga bastard, whom she doesn't even love! Isn't that crazy!"

"I suppose it is," Miroku said, smirking at how Inuyasha had so easily changed topics from Kikyo to Kagome, and sounded as though the dilemma with Kagome was more important than his ex-girlfriend.

"Suppose? It is crazy! I can't believe she's doing that. We got into a whole fight over it and--" Inuyasha abruptly stopped when he realized where he was headed with the sentence. He didn't want to tell Miroku about the next part because he knew his lecherous friend would make a huge unnecessary deal out of it.

"And? And what? What are you hiding?" Miroku demanded.

Inuyasha glared at him and looked away. "None of your business," he said huffily.

Miroku looked at his friend for awhile before getting up. "Fine, then I'll just have to ask Kagome what happened. I can count on her to not leave anything out,"

Inuyasha growled under his breath. "…Fine, I'll tell you…as long as you don't make a big deal about it,"

"Yahoo!" Miroku exclaimed, grinning.

"I-I-I kissed her…"

"AGAIN?"

"…Yeah,"

When Inuyasha offered no more information, Miroku grinned mischievously before bounding over to the couch and sitting down beside his friend. Still grinning, he said, "Soooo…"

"So? So what?" Inuyasha asked, scooting away from Miroku, a bit afraid of the mischievous and sly suggestive look in his eyes.

"Sooo…Do you liiiiiike her?" Miroku asked.

"What! No! Of course I don't! Kagome's just my friend!" Inuyasha yelped, though his face was turning beet red.

"Then why'd you kiss her?" Miroku questioned.

"I-I-I-I don't know…" Inuyasha replied.

"But you have to have a reason! Why would you kiss someone you claim is just your friend? It makes no sense!" Miroku said.

"Don't you think I know that? I'm still trying to figure out why I kissed her the first time!" Inuyasha snapped. "I know I don't like Kagome! I still love Kikyo! I know I do. Seeing her again last night proved that I haven't forgot about my feelings for her!"

"Yet you kissed another girl…Hmm, now what about that?" Miroku said.

Inuyasha didn't reply.

"Come on, friend, I know you wouldn't just do something like that without having a legitimate reason," Miroku said. "Could it be you're starting to fall for Kagome?"

Inuyasha looked away and sighed. "I don't know…I-I don't like her that way, Miroku. I still love Kikyo,"

"Are you sure about that?" Miroku asked. "Maybe you're just telling yourself you are to escape from the reality. From the truth,"

"What truth?" Inuyasha asked, turning to look at his friend.

"The truth that maybe you really are falling for Kagome," Miroku replied.

Inuyasha stared at him for awhile before sighing again and getting to his feet. "I'm going out," he said before leaving.

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"Kagome!" Koga called.

Said girl turned and smiled at her fiancée. "Hey Koga," she replied meeting him.

Koga grinned and pulled her into his arms, then chastely kissed her forehead. "How are you, love? I missed you,"

Kagome laughed. "Missed me? Koga you saw me yesterday,"

"Yes, but we didn't actually have a date. You were out with that basta--I mean, Inuyasha," Koga said trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

Kagome smiled up at him. "Yes I was with him, and I thank you for letting me spend time with my friend,"

"Of course I can't say no to what you want to do, Kagome," Koga said.

"That's nice to know," she said with a grin and he laughed. "So, since you can't say no to what I want to do…mind taking a girl shopping for clothes? And maybe lunch?"

Koga grinned. "Well, lunch I can say yes to. Shopping, however, is another story,"

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Inuyasha walked down the streets, hands stuffed in his pockets, head down and staring silently at his sneakers as they hit against the cement. His mind was reeling after that conversation with Miroku, and he needed time alone to gain some clarity. What Miroku had said made no sense. How could it be that he was falling for Kagome? Kagome! The girl he'd known since junior high, the girl who'd become his best friend after only a few months, the girl he knew so well, and practically saw as a sister. He knew that Miroku's theory wasn't true. He wouldn't believe it. Sure…there were times when he was rather attracted to Kagome…who wouldn't be? She was smart, beautiful and had an infectious personality. But, that didn't mean he was falling in love with her.

He had already fallen in love with someone else. And that someone wasn't hard to forget. Kikyo. He couldn't believe he'd just seen her yesterday. It had been so unexpected, so-so odd, that he hadn't known what to do. It had been a shock too. Seeing he with another guy so soon after their breakup. Had she really moved on? Was he the only one still hoping for their relationship to rekindle? Inuyasha scrunched up his face as he kicked a rock, still heading down the sidewalk with no real destination. Who was that Naraku guy anyway? Inuyasha was certain he'd seen that man before, but for the life of him, he couldn't place the face. And that name sounded familiar to him too.

Inuyasha sighed. This was all too much for him. The two girls in his life were colliding in his heart, and he didn't know what to do. On one hand, there was Kikyo, whom he loved completely and unconditionally. Kikyo, who was enticing and sophisticated, elegant and clever. But then, on the other more complicated hand was Kagome, his best friend. Intelligent and spirited, beautiful and carefree, Kagome was all of those…and so much more. Kagome, the girl he knew so well, loved to be with, was so glad to finally have back in his life. Kikyo, the one whom he wished to be with again, still loved with his heart, couldn't bear to be without.

Damn it. Why does this have to be so difficult? I love Kikyo…but Kagome…

Kagome was starting to draw his attention so easily, so wholly, so suddenly that it took him moments to realize he was getting hooked under her spell. Kagome had changed since he'd last seen her two years ago. Not drastically, no, but in a more subtle, simple way. She was more captivating. For some reason, he now saw Kagome in a way he'd never dreamed to see her before. Now, she seemed more smarter, more vivid and energetic, more mature. She was still the same Kagome he knew, but with these few differences. She was also, Inuyasha hated to admit it, more beautiful. Kagome had always been pretty, he knew that, but now, now she was gorgeous. It wasn't like her features had changed that much, but there was something about her that was screaming Strikingly alluring. He had seen it in her the night before; in the way she had dressed, in the way she had smiled and laughed, even in the way she had been angry.

He had never looked at Kagome in that way before. She was his best friend, and sure he'd admit she was pretty, and that she looked good, but he'd never gotten so enthralled by her before. There was like this invisible line that he didn't step over when they were in high school. He had never thought of Kagome as a possible date, or potential girlfriend. She was just the best friend. She was the one who helped him study, the one who would do his homework for him if he begged in just the right way, the one who'd get angry when he forgot to pick her up after her many club meetings, the one who spent a night each week watching scary movies just because he wanted to, the one who kept him in check. But now, he was thinking differently. His mind and his heart were saying otherwise. She was no longer just that person…she was somehow becoming someone he wanted to be with all the time. She had somehow become that datable, girlfriend-able type of girl, and Inuyasha couldn't believe how easily the tables had turned on him.

And because of these new discoveries, his life had gotten more complicated. How was he supposed to deal with his new feelings? A part of his heart was still hooked on Kikyo, still wanted her back; but the other part…Could Miroku be right? Could he really be falling for--

"Kikyo!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

Said girl turned at the sound of her name and stared when she saw her ex-boyfriend walking down the sidewalk. "I-Inuyasha," she replied.

"Kikyo, hi," Inuyasha said reaching her. "H-How are you?"

"I-I'm fine," she said. "And you?"

"Well, I'm well," he said, though knowing it wasn't entirely true. "What are you doing out here?"

"Some shopping," she said, holding up a few shopping bags. "What about you?"

"Just getting some air," he replied. "Are you alone?"

"Yes. Just me," she said with a slight smile.

Inuyasha smiled back. "Want to get some coffee?" he asked her, hoping she'd say yes. He really wanted to talk to her, be with her, because maybe spending time with her again would make him realize that he could only love her…and his messed up thoughts about Kagome would leave him alone.

"Um, well, I-I suppose so. But only for awhile," Kikyo said.

"Good," Inuyasha replied with another smile and he led her off down the street to a small coffee shop on the corner. After ordering and paying, they took their seats at a table for two by the windows and for awhile just quietly sipped their drinks. Inuyasha took the moment to look over at Kikyo and take her in. She was just the same. Long black hair, pulled back into loose ponytail, striking pale eyes, and perfect figure. He couldn't believe how easily she'd escaped his mind recently. How could he have ever forgotten her? Kikyo, the woman he loved.

"What are you looking at?" Kikyo asked suddenly, making Inuyasha blush slightly and look away.

"Nothing," he replied, but he knew she didn't believe him. Instead, he said, "So, what are you doing out here anyway? Why aren't you in Tokyo?"

"Naraku and I decided to take a trip together, you know get away from our stuffy lives in Tokyo for a few weeks. We've rented out an apartment for the time being," Kikyo replied.

"T-Together?" Inuyasha sputtered. They were living together?

"Yes," Kikyo answered. "Two rooms, of course," she added, noticing his rather upset expression.

Inuyasha relaxed a bit, but still hated the fact that some guy was shacking up with his Kikyo. "I see. Well, that must be nice," he said.

"It really is," Kikyo agreed. Then, changing topics from herself, she asked, "What about you? I see you found Kagome,"

"I have," Inuyasha said with a nod. "Miroku and I just took a trip and happened upon her. It was completely by accident,"

"So you didn't know she was here?" Kikyo asked. "You didn't come here looking for her?"

"No, I didn't," Inuyasha replied, wondering why she was even asking such questions. "But I have been looking for her. I've always been looking for her. It was just coincidence that she was the friend of the girl Miroku asked out,"

"What?" Kikyo asked, confused by the last statement.

Inuyasha shook his head. "Long story," he replied, not up to explaining.

Silence fell between them for a moment, but just then a burst of laughter filed through from the open door beside them. Inuyasha sat up, recognizing the voice. He knew who it belonged to. Turning to the window, he found Kagome herself, hanging onto Koga's arm, laughing carelessly, her face beaming. He suddenly found himself rather angry, his fists clenched and unclenched, and his jaw locked as he listened to their conversation.

"Kagome, I cannot stand another store! You've dragged me to like twenty already!" Koga was saying.

"Oh, Koga, it was only like five, and shopping isn't all that bad!" Kagome replied, laughing heartily.

"Please, Kagome, not another one! I'm carrying fifty bags, any more and I'll surely fall over," Koga said.

"Koga, you're so weak! Can't you even handle shopping bags?" Kagome teased.

"Who're you calling weak?" Koga demanded, grinning however.

Kagome stuck her tongue out at him, then grinned. "Weak!"

"Why you little--" Koga said, reaching for her with his hand.

Kagome shrieked and jumped out of the way, but Koga stepped forward and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to his side. "Koga! Let me go!"

"No way," he said, hugging her closer.

"Koga!"

Koga just grinned and kissed her softly on the lips. "Come on, love, let's go,"

"Go? So you'll go do more shopping?"

"Of course not! I'm starved! I promised you lunch, didn't I? Let's go find some place good to eat,"

"All right, let's go, then," Kagome replied, grinning.

Koga returned her smile and led her down the sidewalk, both continuing to laugh and talk merrily.

Inuyasha watched them through the window with beady eyes. God, now he was royally pissed off. Why did he have to see that? Nothing made him more angry than seeing Kagome with that bastard. Someone upstairs must really hate him to make him go through that pain. …Wait. Pain? He wasn't pained by that! No way was he pained! He was just angry. He hated that bastard, and he hated that Kagome was engaged to him when she didn't love him. He was just angry. He wasn't pained. He wasn't jealous…God, her laugh. Her laugh is so intoxicating…

"Inuyasha?" Kikyo said, snapping him from his thoughts once more.

He finally tore his gaze from the window, surprised that his gaze hadn't melted it away already. "Huh?" he said stupidly, having momentarily forgotten Kikyo was there.

"Who was that with Kagome?" Kikyo asked, watching Inuyasha closely. She had noticed how his jaw had set, and how he had become unusually tense. She knew those were his signs of anger…and jealously.

"Hm? Oh, that bas--I mean, that's Koga. Kagome's f-fi-fiancée," Inuyasha spat the last word like poison.

"Oh, so that's who she's getting married to," Kikyo said, nodding her head. "A good pick,"

Inuyasha just growled angrily in response. A good pick, my ass, Inuyasha thought angrily. Then, shaking his head, he turned his attention back to Kikyo and said, "Um, I have to go,"

"Are you sure? I-I wanted to…" Kikyo began, but then looked away.

"Wanted to, what?" Inuyasha asked.

"Well, I wanted to, you know, maybe spend some time together," she answered quietly.

"Really?" Inuyasha said, surprised. "That's great! Because I-I want to too,"

"You do?"

"Yeah. W-Why don't you come over to my place this evening, and we can have dinner," Inuyasha suggested.

"I'd love to," Kikyo said with a smile.

He returned the gesture and then wrote down his address for her. The two then parted, walking down opposite ways of the sidewalk.

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Kagome wiped her brow and sighed as she pulled the dish of lasagna out of the oven and set it on the table. She covered it with a plate, keeping it warm and then dashed back into the kitchen to check on the soup and breadsticks. Then, she changed the setting of the oven and put in the cake she was baking for dessert. After that, she sighed again and headed out to the living room, and sank down onto the couch.

It was a quarter to seven, and she had been preparing for the dinner she'd promised Inuyasha for the last five hours. Now, she was extremely worn out, and eagerly awaited for his arrival. Heh. I'll show him what a good cook I am! she thought, grinning. But, it wasn't just to show off her talents in the kitchen, it was also that she just wanted to spend more time with him. Their outing the night before had been so wonderful. She had such a great time at dinner, the movies, and then coming back to his place for coffee and another movie. It was like old times, and Kagome had missed that so much.

But, that wasn't as important as the moment at hand. She was getting worried; it was already after seven and Inuyasha wasn't there yet. She knew he wasn't a punctual person, but she was sure he'd be on time when food was involved.

"Kagome?" Sango called form the bedrooms.

"What is it, Sango?"

"Your date here yet?"

"It's not a date! And no, he's not,"

Sango heard the dejected tone in her friend's voice and walked out into the living room. "He's late. So what? I'm sure he's coming soon,"

"He'd better be coming after all I made," Kagome said and Sango laughed.

"You don't mind me staying here during your date? I could go out…but I don't want to miss your fabulous cooking," Sango said.

"No, stay, it's all right. And, it isn't a date!" Kagome repeated heatedly.

"You keep telling yourself that girl," Sango said returning to the other room.

Kagome sighed and glanced at the clock. Fifteen after. Bad traffic, maybe? she thought. In five minutes I'll call.

…At half-past, I'll kill him.

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"You came,"

"Of course I came. We promised to get together, didn't we?"

"Yes. I was just hoping you didn't have second thoughts," Inuyasha said, stepping aside to let Kikyo into the empty apartment. He had coaxed Miroku into leaving by paying his friend for dinner and a movie, hoping it would be enough to keep him away for a long while. Inuyasha just wanted it to be him and Kikyo. Even for just one night, he wanted it to be the two of them, together.

"You have a nice place," Kikyo commented as she sat down on the couch.

"Yeah. Miroku and I lucked into it," Inuyasha replied. Then, seriously he said, "I'm glad you came tonight. I-I really want to be with you. I-I've missed you, Kikyo,"

Kikyo gave him a weak smile and nodded. "I've missed you too, Inuyasha,"

"You have?" he said, not quite believing it.

"I have, I really have," Kikyo whispered into his ear.

Electricity shot down Inuyasha's spine. Her breath was warm against his skin, raising goose-bumps. She had missed him. Was it possible she still loved him the way he loved her? Inuyasha looked into her pale eyes and felt his heart gather speed. He was with the love of his life, the woman he cherished…but even knowing all that, somewhere deep in his heart, he felt as though this was all wrong.

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"No one's picking up the phone. And he doesn't have an answering machine. Stupid. I'll kill him,"

"He's probably on his way if no one's answering," Sango pointed out. "Quit fidgeting, he'll be here,"

Kagome sighed then walked to the closet and grabbed a sweater. "I don't care. I'm going over there," she said.

"The car is in the shop for tonight, how are you getting there? Are you walking?" Sango asked.

"Yes. Because then, if he ends up getting here before I get to his place, you can just call my cell and I'll trudge back," she said getting on her shoes. "If he forgot…he's never going to see sunlight again. And after I cooked an entire feast for him!"

"Well, hit him for me too, okay? Making you cook for five straight hours, and wait for a half hour. There's no saving his sorry ass tonight, huh?" Sango asked with a grin.

"Not a chance," Kagome agreed. "Call me if he shows…and don't eat the food!"

Sango gave an innocent look. "Wasn't even thinking of it,"

"Right, keep it that way," Kagome said, then smiled and walked out the door.

Sango sighed and mumbled as she went to cover the food on the table, "I have a feeling something's going to go horribly wrong,"

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Just wait right here, I'll be back in a few minutes.

"Hm, easy for him to say. But what am I supposed to do here?" Kikyo mumbled irritably. Inuyasha had left ten minutes ago to pick up their order of take out from a restaurant, and had coaxed her into waiting instead of coming with him.

Kikyo sighed and got to her feet, looking around the small, but nice apartment. In the bedroom, which she was surprised to find actually clean, since two boys who occupied it, a certain picture on the wall caught her eye. It was of Inuyasha and Kagome. His arm was over her shoulder and both were grinning brightly into the camera. Kikyo felt a white hot anger sear through her body. What was so important about this girl anyway? She didn't seem that extraordinary to her at all. But yet, after she'd ran away, all Inuyasha could think about was Kagome. Kagome, Kagome, Kagome. All day and night, and it had driven Kikyo insane. Sure, they were best friends, and she understood that, but seriously, if she'd left without telling him then it probably meant she didn't want to be friends anymore. Kikyo had actually told that to Inuyasha, and that was the first time she'd ever seen him so furious. He'd almost yelled at her, and, to her surprise and anger, had looked like he could have cried. She'd realized he'd never thought of the fact that Kagome didn't want to be his friend anymore, and apparently that scared him. Kikyo had regretted her words, but hadn't taken them back. That day had put a big dent in their relationship for awhile, until both apologized a few days later.

But even after that, Inuyasha still pursued his search for Kagome. He looked up possible colleges and universities, and had been to the Higurashi shrine almost everyday for a month asking Kagome's family where she'd gone. Kikyo had learned after that day not to voice her opinions, because they only caused Inuyasha to get mad, and then work the harder to find her, which only made her mad and upset in return. After two years of putting up with Inuyasha searching constantly for his best friend, Kikyo had lost it. She still wasn't sure how she had managed two years with him in that state…no, wait she did know. One of her friends, who was always there when Inuyasha was out investigating with Miroku. She'd forgotten for a moment that he'd been there to help her through it all. He had been her friend…had started to become even more than that…

"INUYASHA! OPEN UP, DAMN IT!"

Kikyo jumped, not expecting some random loud female voice to go echoing through the front door. Curiously, she walked over and debated whether or not to answer the door. In the end, she did, and stepped back in surprise to find the very person she'd been loathing a while before standing on her ex's doorstep.

"K-K-Kikyo?" Kagome stammered, her heart beginning to race, and her blood beginning to freeze. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Nothing," Kikyo replied. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to get Inuyasha, he was late for dinner," Kagome said coolly. What was going on? Kikyo at Inuyasha's house? Had he met with her and forgot about me?

"You must be mistaken, Kagome, because Inuyasha and I are having dinner here," Kikyo said. "He just went to pick up our order, and is coming back soon. I suggest you leave, seeing as how you're not wanted here,"

Kagome narrowed her eyes at her, and muttered angrily, "I knew there was another reason I hated you. You're still a cold bitch,"

Kikyo glared at her. "How dare you say that to me!" she exclaimed furiously. "You little brat, it's all your fault that Inuyasha forgot about me! Because of you, I never got to be with him,"

"What the hell are you babbling about?" Kagome asked. "You're the one who dumped him! He loved you and you threw him away!"

"And you love him, don't you?" Kikyo inquired.

Kagome blinked and gasped, stepping back. "H-Ho-How-How did you--?"

"Heh. It's so easy. You're such a simpleton, Kagome, easy to read as a book," Kikyo said, stepping closer.

"Don't call me a simpleton! What right do you have to say that?" Kagome snapped.

"And what right do you have to call me a bitch?" Kikyo retorted. "You were always there, but I'd never realized you'd be so much in the way,"

Kagome didn't know what to say to that, and just stared at Kikyo, who continued.

"So, he broke your heart, did he? He told you he loved me, and you ran away. How cowardly," Kikyo said with an evil grin.

Kagome felt tears coming on and blinked her eyes hard to fight them down. She clenched her fists at her sides.

"But I can see why he'd chose me over you. Who wouldn't chose me over you?" Kikyo asked, then laughed. "It's such an easy contest, Kagome. I can see how you ran away, too ashamed to be around him after such a heartache,"

"Don't you dare talk about things you don't know," Kagome ground out.

"But I do know, don't I? I know you love him. I know you ran away. And now he's found you and you think he's starting to like you back? Ha. I've never heard of anything so hilarious and pathetic in my life,"

"Shut up," Kagome spat.

"Oh, but I'm not finished yet," Kikyo said. "You actually believe he might like you? Why would he, when all he can ever think about is me? He'll never love you, Kagome. You can try all you want, you can eat dinner, see movies, have fun, but you should know that when it truly comes down to it, between me and you, who do you think he'd chose? He'll never love you, Kagome. I can guarantee it. He'll never want you, never have you, …never love you. Inuyasha will never love you, ever---"
SLAP!

Kagome breathed heavily as she drew her hand back up to strike again. She was red in the face, her cheeks streaked with newly shed tears. Her heart pounded rapidly against her chest as though begging to be let out. She'd never been so mad and upset in her life. She wanted nothing better than to grind the heel of her shoe into that bitch's face.

Kikyo's eyes grew wide in surprise as she placed a hand on her left cheek, and turned to face Kagome. She hadn't seen that coming, had never anticipated to actually be slapped by this girl. But, now, the anger boiled within her and she snarled, "You little wench! How dare you--"

"What the hell's going on here? Kagome?"

Both females froze and turned to the staircase where Inuyasha stood, looking surprised, confused and angry. Kagome opened her mouth to explain, but Kikyo beat her to it, and ran over to Inuyasha, hugging him and pressing her face into his chest. Kagome heard the fake sobs and felt like slapping her again.

"Oh, Inuyasha, did you see what she did? She slapped me! B-But I hadn't even done anything! I was just telling her how you went to get our dinner and she slapped me!" Kikyo exclaimed though fake sobs.

Inuyasha looked down at Kikyo and to Kagome's horror, put his arm around her and walked over to face Kagome. "Is that what happened, Kagome?" he demanded.

Kagome didn't answer.

"Answer me, Kagome! Why did you slap her? What is going on here?" Inuyasha practically roared.

Again, Kagome didn't answer. She eyed Inuyasha and saw the pain etched in his face along with confusion, but mostly anger. She then glared at Kikyo who, behind Inuyasha smirked directly in her face. The nerve of that bitch! What a lying little--

"Kagome! What is going on?" Inuyasha yelled. "Is she telling the truth?"

"I don't know. You decide for yourself," she said, walking over to the staircase, but Inuyasha grabbed her arm and turned her around.

"Why did you slap her? If you don't have a reason then apologize to her right now!" Inuyasha roared.

"No," Kagome replied firmly.

"What?" Inuyasha said, gawking at her. This wasn't right! Something was wrong. Kagome is not acting right. I-I know she'd never do something like this without a reason. "Kagome, apologize,"

"I said no, I'm not. I meant that slap, and I don't care if she goes and rots in hell," Kagome spat then turned to leave again.

"Kagome, what were you doing here in the first place?" Inuyasha called after her.

"Why don't you think about it over dinner? But don't mind me, I've got a big feast prepared. I was going to eat it with my best friend… But, now, I think I'll just call Koga instead," Kagome said. "Thanks for nothing, Inuyasha," she added as the tears started up again and she quickly fled down the stairs.

Inuyasha stared after her for a moment as the words clinked into his head. Kagome's cooking dinner! Damn it, I forgot! "Shit, shit, shit!" he exclaimed, then he dropped the package of food and ran to the stairs.

"Inuyasha! Where are you going?" Kikyo said, grabbing his hand. "Come on, we have dinner to eat,"

"Kikyo, let me go, now," he said fiercely, pulling his arm away. He dashed down the stairs, and skidded out the front door. But, to his dismay, Kagome was no where in sight, and he hadn't felt so angry and upset in his life.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I'm sorry, Koga, Kagome's not here," Sango said.

"Oh, I'm just here to pick up her class notes. I need them for class tomorrow," Koga said.

"I see, then come on in. You can wait for her if you want. I don't know what notes you're looking for," Sango replied, letting her friend's boyfriend into the apartment.

"Thanks, Sango," Koga said with a grin. He walked in and then saw the big feast on the table. "What is all this? A party? Why wasn't I invited?"

Sango smiled. "No, Kagome wanted to prove to Inuyasha that she could cook, so she made all of this," she replied.

Koga tensed at Inuyasha's name and then looked away. He sat down at the couch and before Sango returned to her room, he asked quickly, "Sango, does Kagome love me?"

Sango froze and turned to face Koga. His expression surprised her; he looked forlorn, and it was a look that didn't suit him. He was always grinning and happy, but right now, he looked like a lost kitten. "W-What are you talking about Koga? Ka-Kagome loves you,"

Koga looked at her and smiled sadly as though he could read through her lie. "Are you sure? Sometimes, I don't really think so,"

"Don't think like that, Koga," Sango said. She hated lying to him, but she knew that she couldn't tell him the truth and just evading the question was even worse. Kagome did love Koga; just in a different way…and not in the way he thought. Kagome loved all of her friends, she'd told Sango that once…so technically this wasn't lying…? "Come on, cheer up…a sad look doesn't suit you, you know,"

Koga nodded and sighed, and stood up. "Need some help? Maybe we could find the notes in her room--"

Just then the door slammed open and Kagome hurried in. She froze finding Koga in the room and the male instantly noticed her tear-streaked face, red eyes and flushed face.

"K-Kagome! What's wrong?" he asked, concern in every tone of his voice. Koga hurried to her side and he drew her to him, feeling a bit surprised to feel Kagome immediately put her arms around him, hugging him tight.

"K-Koga…" she muttered.

He felt her shake and cry even more and just pulled her closer. He noticed Sango slip away to the other room and close the door, but left it open a little bit incase she was needed. Koga led Kagome to the couch and they sat down together, still hugging because for once, Kagome wouldn't let go. He caressed her back, and drew his fingers through her soft hair, murmuring, "Shh, honey, it's all right…You're okay now,"

"I-I-I--"

"Yes?"

"I-Inuyasha…" Kagome whimpered into his shoulder that it took Koga a moment to decipher the name.

Instantaneously, he tensed, and felt fire begin to burn within him. That bastard. What the hell did he do to her? I'll kill him, I don't give a shit. He's going to die a painful death. "Kagome, what-what happened?"

Kagome shook her head and pulled away. "It-It's nothing, Koga," she said.

He knew she was lying, but didn't press her. He just drew her close to his side, and whispered again, "It's all right now,"

After a long moment of silence, Kagome said, "K-Koga…?"

"Yes, love, what is it?" he said, turning to look at her, and even though her face was flushed and stained with tears, she looked beautiful to him.

"K-Koga…can-can we pull the w-w-w-wedding da-date up? I-I want to get m-married as soon as-as pos-possible," Kagome cried quietly.

"What?" Koga exclaimed. "K-Kagome, are you sure?"

"Y-Yes, I-I'm very sure," she said, crying more. "P-Please, Koga, le-let's get married in a few weeks…I can't wai-wait any longer,"

"Kagome…I don't want you to rush into this if you don't really want to," Koga said. He took her face in his hands and wiped her tears away, then kissed her forehead chastely. "But, if you're certain, then you have my word. You know I want to be with you, so if this is what you truly want, then yes, we can get married sooner,"

"Oh, Koga, t-thank you," Kagome exclaimed as she flung her arms around him and hugged him tight.

Koga hugged her back, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.